Iran is strengthening an underground tunnel network storing its supply of enriched uranium and centrifuges, as revealed by new satellite photography from the Institute for Science and International Security.
According to a Wednesday report from the institute, updated satellite images of Iran’s Mount Kolang Gaz La show new fortification efforts around the perimeter, meaning the country could be preparing to defend against a strike on its nuclear facilities.
“The creation of a security perimeter around deeply buried sites associated with uranium enrichment suggests that Iran is increasingly worried about an individual or group seeking to enter the tunnel complexes undetected,” the report reads. “Whether this type of protective barrier would be effective against a well-armed and resourced adversary is unclear.”
The satellite images show road grading for a new security perimeter around the mountain and partially erected wall panels. There is also evidence of partial ground leveling to make way for more wall panels.
The report says Iran has been constructing an extensive tunnel network under the mountain for years to store the nation’s enriched uranium. The mountain is located just south of Iran’s Natanz enrichment complex. When the tunnel complex is completed, the report says, Iran could use it to host new centrifuges, which will replace the ones destroyed at the Natanz facility in 2020.
The new facility will be built at a much lower depth than Iran’s enrichment facility in Fordow, suggesting the country is trying to further fortify its nuclear infrastructure. Neither the Natanz nor Fordow facility has been inspected by the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to the report.
The report comes as U.S. and Iranian officials are set to meet for the third time in Oman this weekend to discuss the future of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. Both sides of the negotiations have described the talks as productive, yet Iran has maintained that it won’t dismantle its nuclear program, a key demand of the U.S.
President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his first term. Since then, Iran has bolstered its nuclear enrichment program while insisting that it’s purely for civilian or commercial use.
Nuclear watchdogs say Iran’s level of enriched uranium is far above what would be necessary for nonmilitary use.
In the lead-up to this month’s negotiations, Mr. Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if Tehran refuses to give up its nuclear program. The president has said Israel would likely be involved in any such strike.
Israel has not ruled that out and has echoed Mr. Trump’s contention that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.
